Recently, the decision adopted by the Ministry of Education not to renew the appointment of the General Secretary of the Council of Rectors of Chilean Universities (CRUCH) became known, which inexplicably has not considered the requirements or the opinion of the rectors of the universities. 30 universities that make up this Council.

In this regard, we wish to express to the public the following:

1.According to Law 21.091, the Council of Rectors is responsible for advising and formulating proposals to the Ministry of Education on public policies regarding higher education, in addition to coordinating the institutions that comprise it, promoting collaboration between them.

2.For its operation, the CRUCH has a General Secretariat that provides administrative and technical support to this Collegiate Body. The appointment of the General Secretary is carried out through the Senior Public Management System. However, this is a position that requires the trust of the Council, which is financed only with contributions from the Universities, and whose work responds to the guidelines and exclusive will of the CRUCH.

3. Both the evaluations of compliance with the Performance Agreement carried out by the MINEDUC and those of all the rectors of the CRUCH, agree that the objectives and functions that correspond to the General Secretary have been carried out in an optimal manner. throughout his management.

4.Consequently, the decision not to renew the appointment is inexplicable, unless this measure is the result of legitimate discrepancies, so typical of democracy and the role of the Council of Rectors. If this is the reason, it is unfair and unacceptable, even more so, considering that the rectors have unanimously agreed to support the request to renew the appointment of the current Secretary General, which has been repeatedly requested from the authorities. relevant.

5.This whole situation challenges us about the meaning and mission of the Council of Rectors, the imperative need to recognize the autonomy that its work requires, the validity of its principles and values, and the inherent commitment to the public, all of this above the guidelines of the transitory nature of the governments. Nothing is more contradictory for the country than the Council of Rectors being determined by ideological or political conditions.

Due to the role that the Council plays in the higher education system and the importance of maintaining respectful links between public institutions, it is essential that the CRUCH requirements be heard, which will undoubtedly contribute to the independence required for the Council. good performance of their duties for the benefit of the country.

Source: Communications Council of Rectors of Chilean Universities